Doctors who treat health problems related to teeth, gums and other parts of the mouth are called Dentists. Dentists are a very important part of the healthcare industry and there are multiple options for them to specialize in. This guide will give you an insight into what it takes to join this field.

Should I Become a Dentist in Minnesota?

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted a 7% employment growth for dentists in the US from 2018 to 2028. The BLS predicts that there will be a significant increase in the demand for dental services due to the aging population. As per the BLS data for 2019, 1,800 Dentists, General were working in Minnesota. To become a dentist in Minnesota, you must complete the right education and experience in the field. Take a look at the following guide to begin working in this career.

Education Required A doctoral or a professional degree at least
Major Requirement DDS/DMD
License/Certification State licensure is mandatory
Experience/Training Residency of 2-4 years (Except for General Dentists)
Key Skills Communication, Detail-oriented, Decision-making, Organizational Skills, Patience and Dexterity etc.
Annual Mean Salary(National, 2019) $178,260 (for all General Dentists)
Annual Mean Salary,(Minnesota,2019) $213,210 (for all General Dentists)
Job Outlook (2018-2028) 7% (Faster than the average)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019)

Career Requirements

Like other doctors, dentists can also choose to specialize in a particular area. Some dentists do not specialize and wok as General Dentists. While others specialize to work as Orthodontists, Prosthodontists, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and so on.

Steps to Become a Dentist in Minnesota

To become a dentist in Minnesota, you must get proper training and education. Here is a complete and detailed guide to help you begin your journey.

    1. Completing a Bachelor’s Degree


Completing a 4-year bachelor’s degree in a subject from biological sciences is the first step to becoming a dentist. This helps you prepare for the entry test for the doctoral degree and enrollment in dental school.

    1. Passing the Dental Admissions Test (DAT)


All interested individuals with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences must clear the Dental Admission Test to enroll in a dental school.

    1. Graduating from a Dental School


The next step is to enroll in a 4-year Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. Many institutions in Minnesota offer such degrees like the School of Dentistry at the University of Minnesota. A DDS/DMD can take 4 years to complete with the first 2 years focusing on coursework and the last 2 years on field work.

    1. Residency


General Dentists do not need to complete a residency period. However, Dentists who wish to specialize in a particular area must enroll in a CODA-accredited residency program after graduating from a dental school. Depending upon the specialization, dentists may complete it in a span of 2 to 4-years. Whereas, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery specializations typically take 4 to 6 years to complete.

    1. Applying for a State Issued License


All dentists in the U.S. must obtain a state issued license. The requirements for getting licensed vary for each state. For the state of Minnesota, the Minnesota Board of Dentistry acts as the regulatory body and all dentists must file an application with all relevant documents to them for getting a license.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Dentist in Minnesota?

To work as a licensed dentist may take at least 10 to12 years (or even more). To become a licensed dentist, you must complete all 5 steps mentioned above.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Dentist in Minnesota?

To practice as a licensed dentist in Minnesota, all dentists must have:

    • Completed the CODA or ADA accredited 4-year DDS/DMD
    • Pass the following within five years before applying for licensure
  • Minnesota Jurisprudence Examination
  • American National Dental Board Examination series
  • Clinical exams of CRDTS, SRTA, WREB, CDCA and CITA
  • Lastly, candidates must undergo a criminal background check

 

How Much Can I Make after Becoming a Dentist in Minnesota?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), General Dentists employed in Minnesota earned an annual mean salary of $213,210 in 2019. Whereas, Rhode Island was named as the highest paying state for this occupation with an annual mean salary of $262,900.